In this special service dedicated to worshiping God and honoring mothers, we’ve delved into the profound essence of parenthood as a divine journey marked by God’s provision, wisdom, and unending love. Worship, we’ve learned, is not just about singing songs or attending services but living a life filled with praise, prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with believers—a life deeply connected to God and His family. Through the illustrations of the crimson lifeline from the ceiling, the kinked water hose, and Braxton’s IV bag, we’ve grasped the concept that God’s blessings flow abundantly when we actively engage in worship and maintain a strong connection with Him.
Today’s message is a heartfelt invitation to all mothers, fathers, and grandparents who may look back wishing they knew “then” what they know “now” about raising their children. Parenthood is an endless journey filled with uncertainties and constant learning, impossible without a connection to God’s specific supply for each child. Children come into this world with unique needs, and navigating those needs can feel overwhelming without an instruction book. Yet, God intended parents to rely on Him for guidance and support in this challenging role. Parenting reminds us that we don’t have to know everything; we just need to seek wisdom and strength from the One who does. It’s a lifelong journey with different stages and challenges, but with God as our source of wisdom and strength, we can navigate the complexities of parenting with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith, fulfilling His purpose in shaping the lives of our children. The divine dependency empowers mothers to continue learning, growing, and seeking guidance from God in every aspect of their parenting journey, trusting in His unfailing love and provision.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
But we do know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to purpose.
In most translations of the Bible, the phrase “called according to purpose” is rendered “called according to His purpose,” with “His” in italics.
The translators supply the word “His” because purpose here obviously refers to God’s purpose.
But His is not in the original language.
Neither is there a definite article before the word purpose.
It is not “according to the purpose.”
It is simply “according to purpose.”
Then we might ask, what purpose?
In God’s thought there is only one purpose–Christ.
This means that if you and I are not calibrated to Christ in our lives, in our experience–with every detail from morning to night–then we are not living according to purpose.
We are in vanity.
In this universe everything apart from Christ is vanity.
Only Christ gives purpose to all things.
Christ alone is the reality and meaning of life.
This is why, when we turn to Him in the middle of all things in our life and begin to identify with Him, we have such a sense of significance in our being.
But if we are indifferent to Christ, if we try to figure things out on our own, then notice what it does to our insides.
There is a sense of emptiness, the sense that we have nothing of Christ to share with others.
But if we allow all kinds of environments to press us into the Lord, then we are filled with so much meaning, there is so much significance, and there is so much to share.
This spiritual phenomenon happens because the one sure purpose of our human life is to be conformed to the image of God’s Son.
By letting all things shape us into the form of God’s Son, we have a deep sense that we are living according to purpose.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
David Harrison – Riverside
Deanna Fowler
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Drew
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
June Cronan’s Sister
Junior Stephens
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Miles Bradshaw
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Ricky Gipson
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Susan Mosley
Tom Witcher